I’ll admit, when I first heard “3D printer,” I immediately assumed it would be complicated. It sounded like something that required special software, a ton of setup, and way more technical knowledge than I have. But after trying the AOSEED 3D Toy Printer, I realized this is completely different. It was actually designed specifically for kids and families, with simple app-controlled printing that makes the whole process way more approachable at home.
The boys’ favorite part is obviously getting to make their own toys. They can browse through more than 8,000 vetted toy models in the AOSEED app, choose something they think is cool, customize it, and then we send it right to the printer. There are also different modeling tools and apps they can explore as they get more comfortable creating. Watching something they picked on the screen slowly turn into an actual toy they can hold is honestly pretty cool — and definitely more exciting to them than another toy simply showing up at our door.
What I Like About It as a Mom
While they care about what they’re going to make next, I care about all of the practical things. The AOSEED is fully enclosed so they don’t have access to the hot or moving parts while it’s printing, it operates quietly, and it uses non-toxic PLA filament. It feels like something that can actually fit into our normal day rather than another complicated gadget I have to manage.
I also love that while the boys think they’re simply making toys, there’s a learning component happening at the same time. They’re getting hands-on experience with creativity, problem-solving, spatial thinking, and STEAM concepts without it feeling like another lesson. AOSEED even has different levels of design tools, so they can start with the easier options and explore more advanced creating as they get older and more comfortable with it.
Something We Can Keep Coming Back To
This isn’t really a one-and-done activity either. With thousands of models available and different ways to customize and create, they can choose something completely different each time. I can already see us pulling this out for rainy afternoons, weekends at home, school breaks, or whenever I hear the inevitable “I’m bored.”
I definitely didn’t have “casually making our own toys at home” on my motherhood bingo card, but apparently that’s where we are now. The boys get something fun they can actually play with when they’re finished, and I get an activity that encourages them to create and learn along the way. That’s a pretty good combination in my book.
If you think your kids would love making their own creations too, you can check out AOSEED and shop the 3D Toy Printer here.
I have a feeling we’re just getting started with what these boys are going to make.